Richard Wigglesworth is leaving Sale at the end of the season and joining Saracens. Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Saracens have followed up their signing of Matt Stevens by recruiting another England international - the Sale Sharks scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth.

The 26-year-old, who has won five Test caps, will link up with Saracens in time for next season. His signing comes just a day after Saracens announced the arrival of the prop Stevens next January, on completion of a two-year drugs ban he is currently serving.

Wigglesworth has slipped down the England scrum-half pecking order behind Paul Hodgson, Danny Care and Harry Ellis. But his departure from Edgeley Park is a blow to Sale, whose other international scrum-half - Dwayne Peel of Wales - could also leave the club when his existing contract expires in May.

Wigglesworth said: "I have had nine great years at Sale, but I feel the time is right for a change. Everyone can see there is something special happening at Saracens, on and off the field, and I want to be part of it."

Saracens have three international No9s on their books in the South African Neil de Kock, the New Zealander Justin Marshall and the Fijian Moses Rauluni.

Brendan Venter, the Saracens rugby director, said: "Richard is a top-quality international in the prime of his career, and his eagerness to join Saracens is further evidence this club is going places."